The Cop30 climate summit in Brazil saw the participation of over 100 US state and local leaders, including New Mexico's governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, who emphasized the importance of local climate initiatives. The Trump administration, however, decided not to send any high-level representatives, indicating a significant gap in climate action commitment between federal and subnational levels. Grisham highlighted that states are competing in a 'friendly race to the top' to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while boosting their economies. The summit also follows recent elections that saw success for climate-focused candidates, suggesting a growing public demand for serious climate action. Despite the absence of federal representation, local leaders are determined to push forward with their climate agendas, showcasing their efforts to transition to clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.